Q&A on football stuff

Q: I know you're a huge football fan. Can you say that big scoring games like Germany's 4-0 win over Argentina are fun?

A: A game can be 1-0 and still be hugely entertaining. It's the skill and technique that makes them fun to watch. And by far, Germany has been the most entertaining of the entire World Cup.

Q: You watch the games at a bar. What game was the most watched one you've seen so far?

A: Argentina-Germany by the proverbial country mile. The bar was overflowing with people all the way outside. Next is England-Germany and England-USA. What makes it fun too is fans come dressed in their fave team colors. The difference is walang kantyawan.

Q: Your favorites are the US and France but you also root for other teams?

A: This is the first time, I've rooted for the US and I've said that their success will mean well for the world in the growth of the sport. France whether they suck or not is still my fave. I like England, Germany, heck, a lot of teams. Hard not to like them when I enjoy the game that much. However, Diego Maradona's antics made it difficult for me to appreciate Argentina. I have lots of their blue and white jerseys -- Riquelme and Batistuta are my obvious favorites. I'd love to get a Messi one as well. But Diego spoiled it. Even post game, he didn't have to fight with German fans. That was an ugly ugly way to exit the World Cup. Do I think he should continue to coach the Albiceleste? Yes. He has proven himself. Maybe a little humility then they'll be okay.

It's tough too coz I like Argentina. Remember they have to Liverpool players in Maxi Rodriguez and Javier Mascherano. But Javy has not played well this past year and it showed in the World Cup. Maradona should have tried Veron who will retire from national duty after this. And he should have mended fences with Juan Roman Riquelme. I know he has an attitude but they should have sat down and worked for a common goal.

England. Oh, I love the Three Lions but to watch this team is to know heartbreak. That match where David Beckham was sent off (in Alan Shearer's last for England) is still a painful memory. Then they reprised that in '06 when Wayne Rooney got sent off rather harshly. I remember that game so vividly just as when Germany lost to Italy and France in the Finals.

Q: You gave Austin Manyara a Manchester United jersey. Why?

A: Well, it was given to me as a gift and I am not a fan of MUFC. Austin, if you get to talk to him is a huge football fan. Except that he roots for the wrong squad. So I said I'd give it to him. I am also turning over my LeBron Cavs jersey to Joe Etame of JRU. He is a huge LBJ fan. I have an extra one kasi. Sorry no more extras! Hahaha. I think I have some 50 football jerseys. My favorites are the Real Madrid "Siemens" era, Liverpool of course, DC United, Everton (coz it's blue), Juventus, Arsenal with its O2 logo, and Croatia. Someone always gives me grief when I wear my Croatia.

Q: Do you have a collection of football DVDs?

A: Yes, I do. I have lots of Liverpool. There's an Arsenal (the 49 DVD). Zidane which is a magnificent film that you really have to bear with. I have Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo. I have the New York Cosmos. I even have Chelsea and Fulham. AC Milan (in Italian). And a few World Cup stuff that I never seem to tire watching. I'll be abroad again soon and should pick up a few more. The one I want to get is the best of the UEFA Champions League.

Q: What would you say are the best football matches?

A: Wow. There are simply too many to mention. But I'll just pick out what I've seen on TV and videotape: 

West Germany 2 vs. Holland 1. The red card on Frank Rijkaard for spitting on Rudi Voller ended any hope for the Oranje to win.

Argentina 2 vs. England 1. "The hand of God" goal of Maradona and his superb weave through six Englishmen for his second goal. I was jumping up and down in disbelief watching this on TV. Is there any other better goal in World Cup history?

Liverpool 3 vs. AC Milan 3. LFC won 3-2 on penalties. The Miracle of Istanbul. I've got the DVD of this of course. But watching this on TV, God.... I was pacing back and forth. As it has been said about this most memorable match, AC Milan won the game on May 25 then lost it on May 26. What does that mean? The game began around 945pm and it was past midnight when Liverpool won it during a penalty shootout.

Manchester United 2 vs. Bayern Munich 1. Two names here Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Infamy for Oliver Kahn. 

West Germany 3 vs. France 3 (The Germans won 5-4 in penalty kicks). I began to somewhat root for France here. This was the infamous foul on Patrick Battiston by Harald Schumacher. And the French had that great midfield of Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, and Jean Tigana.

Liverpool 5 vs. Alaves 4. Do we have all night?
There's quite a lot more. Real Madrid vs Mallorca for the La Liga title four years ago. Lots really.